When the weather outside is frightful, head somewhere delightful to enjoy the mountains snow or warm up after a jaunt in the cold.

While it doesn’t snow around Western North Carolina as much as it used to, when the flakes start falling you’re bound to find the best accumulation up on top of Fie Top Road in Maggie Valley. There Cataloochee Ski Resort offers skiing and snowboarding for the family, with lessons for those who want to learn, and a cozy lodge for those who don’t want to take to the slopes. The lodge offers food and full-bar for that après-ski drink — the Hot Buttered Rum is a stand out — as well as a roaring fire and occasional live music.

At the bottom of Fie Top Road, Tony’s Tube World is a great place to go sledding. Sledders use large inflatable tubes to coast down runways of snow time and again. There is a height requirement of 42 inches; however, those tiny tykes may enjoy the Wee Bowl Snowplay Area.

Sledding is an activity that can be enjoyed by most anyone, given most any hill. Local hardware stores typically carry basic disk sleds (best used in deeper snows) and old-fashioned runner sleds (for the 2-inch or less dusting). Remember to stay out of the road, no matter how tempting that long, clear path may be as there are vehicles with four-wheel drive or snowplows that may be making their way around and about.

Many people enjoy taking the quiet opportunity the snow provides to go for a hike. It’s not uncommon to see cars parked at the entrance to the Blue Ridge Parkway on top of Richland Balsam at the Haywood/Jackson County line even though the Parkway is closed. Hikers will take to the Parkway on foot, affording them a unique opportunity to have the Parkway almost entirely to themselves. Going off road isn’t recommended unless you know where you’re going. Snow can obscure landmarks and getting lost in the cold poses several threats.

If you’re the kind who likes to enjoy the snow from inside where it’s warm, use impending snowfall as a chance to visit a local bookstore to stock up on some reading. Diana Gabaldon’s A Breath of Snow and Ashes, the sixth book of the adventures of Claire and Jamie Fraser set in North Carolina from 1772 through 1777, provides glimpses of the beginnings of the American Revolutionary War. Let It Snow: Three Holiday Romances features the work of John Green, Maureen Johnson and Lauren Myracle. In the first work by Green, Jubilee is bound by train to Florida when a heavy snowstorm forces the train to stop. Jubliee seeks out refuge at the local Waffle House where she meets the locals. And for non-fiction fans Southern Snow: The Winter Guide to Dixie is an all-encompassing guide to downhill skiing, cross country skiing, and winter hiking in the South including the history thereof.

With your snowbound reading in hand, a few treats are in order. If you’re near The Chocolate Bear, with stores in downtown Waynesville and Highlands, stop in to pick up some hot chocolate mix. Mulling spices for wine often may be found at places such as the Mast General Store in Waynesville or Jackson’s General Store in Sylva. A cup of homemade hot apple cider also goes a long way in warming up the day.

If you’re looking to outfit a snowboarder, skater or fisherman you’re in luck at Snow, Skate and Bait in the Westgate Plaza in Franklin, which offers exactly what it promises. No equipment rentals here, but you can purchase basics such as goggles, wheels and rods.

Skis and Tees in Maggie Valley specializes in snowboards and accessories, as well as skiing and skateboarding supplies. The store rents equipment for beginners and advanced snow sporters, including cross country skis.

There are plenty of other clothing outfitters if you’re in need of a jacket or pants, including Black Rock Outdoor Company in Sylva and Highland Hiker in Highlands and Cashiers.

And if you’re just looking to get into the snowy mood, hop aboard the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad’s Polar Express. The Polar Express comes to life when the train departs Bryson city for a journey to “The North Pole.” Read along with the magical story and meet Santa while enjoying holiday caroling, hot cocoa, a special treat and a memento for the children. Daily departure times vary. Ticket price includes admission to the Smoky Mountain Trains Museum.